These Bead Head variations were created by Contributing Fly Tyer Eric Martin. We
realize that they might be a bit controversial, but we also like to present
every option to the Winter Steelhead fly fisherman and let them decide. In the
high and fast water conditions of winter it is often difficult to get flies down
to steelhead lies. Many fly fisherman resort to wrapping lead around their
leaders, using heavy sinking lines, or weighted flies.

As Eric described, "I fish a lot of 'jigs' as described by many people. I
'nymph' fish them under large poly yarn indicators in the deeper holes, or
faster water where I need a super heavy, easy to see pattern. Some people do not
agree with these being deemed 'flies' (strangely, many of the same people have
no problems pegging plastic beads as 'egg patterns') but many others seem quite
fond of them. As you can see by my pictures, they are not the lead head, marabou
jigs many people think of. They are all bead head, schlappen, rabbit, marabou,
krystal flash, etc., blends."